The Power and the Process of Informational Interviewing
Host Sheila Boysen-Rotelli is here to discuss informational interviewing, a tool that can help you whether you are looking for a new job or not. Get the insight you need into the industry that you desire by using this strategy!
Episode Highlights:
Information interviewing is simply a form of networking
There are more aspects to a job search than applying to everything that you see on the internet
Informational interviews can provide you with insight into a company or role
These are a meeting between an employee and a person who is looking for information on that employee’s job or company
Where do informational interviews fit into the job-search process?
Act as a form of networking that helps you to build relationships with people that may be able to open a door for you
These conversations speed up the process and skip most of the cold submissions to postings
Influential people get to know you because you have the opportunity to share your story
Get started by finding the people that can either answer your questions or introduce you to the person that can
Set realistic expectations for these conversations
Keep in touch with these people and be willing to share information that you think might be valuable to them or their industry
You can gain an inside perspective on your industry of interest, as well as careers that you might not know to exist
What do you need to do to have a successful informational interview?
Prepare a list of questions beforehand that will bring in the information that you are looking for
Research the person/company/industry thoroughly so that you don’t waste anyone’s time
Set up a Google alert for material that is related to the industry in questions
Prepare in order to avoid awkward moments of silence
Ask important questions that will help you with your goals while allowing them to talk about themselves
Listen intently to the answers that they give and make sure to take notes of the key points, not necessarily everything
Make sure to ask ending questions that will eventually lead to more contact in the future
Is there anyone else that you think I should speak to?
Is there anything else that I should have asked?
Let them know that you are listening by making eye contact, taking notes, and acknowledging what they are saying
The focus is to pick their brain for information and establish a connection, so try not to interrupt them and make sure to follow up
People want to know 3 things when it comes to any long-term relationship
3 Key Points:
Informational interviews differ from job interviews because the conversation is not about asking for a job, more a mutually-beneficial meeting that helps the networks of both parties.
It’s important to approach these conversations with realistic expectations. Approach the conversation to gain insight, not a job offer.
Be prepared to ask the right questions, but more importantly, make sure to listen intently to their answers rather than focusing on the next question..
Tweetable Quote
“Networking is the number 1 way that most people are finding a job, advancing their careers, or finding new opportunities in general.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
“Informational interviews can help you identify the best job targets that align with your interest and your skills.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
“Most people are happy to help someone who shows initiative.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
“There’s nothing worse than scheduling an information interview and arriving without any prepared questions.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
Resources Mentioned:
Claim your free six-step job search success workbook here
Contact Sheila at sheila@professionalsuccesscoaching.com